"I get the hint that Ty wants to rent one of the rooms next year," I say. "I definitely have some ideas, too."
Tyler lets out a squeal and then a round of laughter comes from all of them. I look over to see Tyler is now in the ball pit, with his legs sticking over the edge. The other three are covering him with the plastic balls. "Daddy, save me!"
I don't think I could get him out of there even if I wanted to. The others are crowding him, and he would have to pull his feet in before he could stand up. "Sorry, Ty. I think they took you. It's too late."
"He's ours!" Aussie shouts just before smashing another ball against Tyler's stomach.
We spend hours in the room. Around nine, Rachel and Luke show up. I know he's usually working the night shift, but most weekends he's given a second shift. It has to be hard on them, but Luke always looks so happy when they're around.
The boys stop for their snacks and juices. Orion climbs up in Garret's lap as usual for his bottle. The first time he did that, I wasn't sure how I felt, but now it's something that I don't even think twice about. Orion definitely regresses the youngest out of the group of Littles. Tyler seems to fluctuate a small amount. A lot of times, at home, he likes to stay a bit independent. Tonight, though, he takes my hand and asks me to take him to the potty.
The bathrooms inside Dreamland are occupied, so he guides me out of the room and down the hall to the other bathrooms. The stalls are wide, enough for two, maybe even three, people in each. Tyler rests his head on my shoulder as I help him aim into the toilet. We've never done this before, but I love it. I love that he trusts me so much.
I give him a few, teasing strokes before pulling his pants back up and moving us to wash our hands.
When we get back into the room, I check the clock on the wall. It's almost eleven, well past both of our bedtimes. The others seem to be heading toward sleepy time as well. Tyler is meeting my brother and his family tomorrow, but not until lunch, so we don't have to worry too much about bedtime tonight.
"I think we're going to start winding down," Remington announces when we get back to the group. "Aussie has a big day tomorrow with work."
"I get to go to work with Daddy!" Aussie says excitedly. "He's helping me with plans and building things!"
Remington smiles and pulls Aussie onto his lap. "I'm not building anything, baby. I've set up the meeting for you to meet with the construction company we contract out too and also to get the permits you'll need for next year."
"Same thing," Aussie says with a shrug. Remington rolls his eyes, but the rest of us find it funny.
It's only another thirty minutes before we are all saying goodbye. Tyler and I stop at the front desk and have our bandsscanned so they can be removed. I'll have to see about getting a membership here; I can see how much Tyler loves the place.
It's late and warm enough that Tyler didn't bother changing out of his pajamas. We walk across the parking lot to the car, hand-in-hand. Tyler's body slumps against mine as we walk and I see his whole face scrunch up with a big yawn. He's so cute.
"Did you have fun, baby?" I walk him to the passenger side and help him in and get him buckled up. His eyes are half closed, but he nods his head twice.
"So much fun, Daddy. So sleepy though."
Chapter Nineteen
I'mmeetingBrandt'sfamilytoday. His brother, at least. My tummy feels a little nervous, but Brandt has promised me that Philip is a lot like him and laid back. His wife, Deana, and their daughter will be joining as well. We're meeting up at a park and doing a picnic style lunch. I made a snack box for us to take with fresh fruits and some crackers.
"They're going to love you, Ty. I know it." Brandt puts a hand on my knee and squeezes. We're sitting in the parking lot of the park. I can see families milling around, kids running from slides to tunnels to swings. I'm a bit jealous that I can't play. We played for so long last night, though. I can be big for this. "Come on, baby. I think I see them sitting at the table already."
The parking lot is up on a slight hill from the park, with a small path that leads to the shelter. There are several wooden tables,all filled by different families. The park itself is split into two; one smaller, simpler side for younger kids, and the other much taller with big slides and a rock wall.
"I wish I could play," I mumble just loud enough for Brandt to hear. "It looks like so much fun."
Brandt takes my hand and squeezes. I know that's his silent way of agreeing with me. "You can play on the swings," he suggests. "I know Vivian loves to swing."
My response is cut short by a man calling Brandt's name. I can see the resemblance, but Brandt has darker hair and is a couple inches shorter. Brandt hugs the guy, then the woman next to him, before turning to face me. "Philip, Deana, this is my boyfriend, Tyler."
"It's nice to meet you," Deana says. She holds out her hand and I shake it. I do the same with Philip.
"It's nice to meet both of you as well." I wipe my hand on my pants, knowing that they feel clammy already. I'm just nervous.
"And where is my favorite niece?" Brandt asks. He sets the container of fruit and crackers on the table with the rest of our things. "I haven't seen her in far too long."
"She's over there, crawling in and out of the tunnel. Over and over." Deana points to a curly haired little girl. She is wearing a brightly colored dress with a pair of tennis shoes. She's adorable.
"Oh, she's getting so big." Brandt says. He takes my hand and starts pulling me toward the playground. "Vivian!"
The girl spins around at the sound of her name. Her eyes go wide and she smiles before running full force toward Brandt. "Uncle B! You're here!"
